JP2009173283A - Motion control for transporter - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a transporter for transporting a subject to be inspected over an irregular surface. <P>SOLUTION: The transporter 10 includes a support platform for supporting a load, the loaded support platform defining fore-aft and lateral planes and characterized by a load distribution. A plurality of ground contacting elements 13, 14 are coupled to the support platform and thus the transporter 10 is statically stable for inclination in the fore-aft plane. At least one of the plurality of ground contacting elements 13, 14 is driven by a motorized drive arrangement. A sensor modules 15, 16 generate a signal indicating the load distribution of the loaded support platform. Based at least on the load distribution, a controller commands a driving device with a motor. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

(Technical field)
The present invention relates to a transport device and method for transporting a load that may be an individual, and more particularly to controlling the motion of the transport device.

(Background technology)
A wide range of vehicles with motorized drives are known for carrying various subjects, either for purposeful movement or for entertainment purposes.

  The means used by the operator to control the movement of the motorized drive varies. For example, an operator may operate an accelerator pedal for controlling the forward movement of a car, while steering is typically accomplished using a steering wheel. Alternatively, as described by U.S. Pat. No. 4,790,548 (Franken), sports-type vehicle motion is a footboard where the user stands back and forth so that the throttle cable moves mechanically. Can be controlled by shaking. For example, another method of controlling the movement of the transport device based on the physical contribution of the operator or based on the intended functionality of the transport device may be desired.

(Summary of the Invention)
In a first embodiment of the present invention, a carrier platform for supporting a load, the carrier platform comprising the support platform, wherein the loaded support platform defines a front and back plane and a side plane. Provided. A plurality of ground contact elements are coupled to the support platform such that the transport device is statically stable with respect to anteroposterior plane tipping. At least one of the plurality of ground contact elements is driven by a motorized drive. The sensor module generates a signal that is indicative of the position of this load distribution of the loaded support platform. Based on at least this load distribution, the controller issues a command to the motorized drive unit.

  In accordance with a related embodiment of the invention, the plurality of ground contact elements comprises at least two wheels. The at least two wheels may comprise a first wheel rotatable about a first axis and a second wheel rotatable about a second axis. Here, the second shaft is disposed at the rear portion of the first shaft. The controller is arranged such that the fore and aft movement of the transport device is controlled by shifting the load distribution and / or the center of gravity of the loaded support platform back and forth. obtain. The controller may also be arranged such that the lateral movement of the transport device is controlled by laterally shifting the load distribution and / or the position of the center of gravity of the loaded support platform. The transport device may include a user interface (eg, joystick or dial). Here, the controller issues a command to the motorized drive based at least on the signal provided by the user interface. The sensor module may include a force sensor, a load sensor and / or an angular velocity sensor (eg, a tilt sensor (eg, may be a gyroscope or an inclinometer). The offset may be used in generating the signal. The offset may be adjustable via a user interface or a remote control device on the transport device, and the controller may command the motorized drive to cause acceleration of the transport device. An externally recognizable indicator for providing instructions based on movement (eg acceleration) may be provided, which may be light and visible from behind the transport device.

  In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for controlling a transport device having a support platform for supporting a load. This loaded support platform defines front and back planes and side planes and is characterized by a load distribution. The transport device comprises a plurality of ground contact elements, so that the transport device is statically stable with respect to the tilt of the front-rear plane, wherein the motorized drive device is at least one of the plurality of ground contact elements. Drive. The method includes determining a load distribution of a loaded support platform and issuing a command to a motorized drive based at least on the load distribution.

  In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the transport device comprises a support platform for supporting a load, the support platform defining a front and back plane and a side plane. A plurality of ground contact elements are coupled to the support platform so that the support platform is statically stable with respect to tilt in the front and back planes and side planes. A swivel element is pivotally connected to at least one of the ground contact elements so that the swivel element has the ability to be tilted by a user interface. A sensor module generates a signal that is an indicator of the tilt of the swivel element. The controller issues a command to the motorized drive arrangement based on the tilt of the swivel element. This motorized drive device drives at least one of the plurality of ground contact elements.

  In a related embodiment of the invention, the pivot element may have the ability to tilt at least in the anteroposterior plane. The plurality of ground contact elements may comprise two laterally arranged wheels that are rotatable about an axis, wherein the pivot element is pivotally connected to the axis. The pivot element may be flexibly connected to the support platform, for example via at least one spring. The user interface can be a handlebar coupled to the pivot element.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method for controlling a transport device has a support platform for supporting a load, the support platform defining a front and back plane and a side plane. The transport device comprises a plurality of ground contact elements, so that the transport device is statically stable with respect to tilt. The transport device further comprises a swivel element pivotally connected to at least one of the ground contact elements, so that the swivel element has the ability to tilt, and the transport device comprises these A motorized drive device for driving at least one of the plurality of ground contact elements is provided. The method includes tilting the pivot element and issuing a command to the motorized drive as a function of tilt. Accordingly, the present invention provides the following.
(1) A transport device, wherein the transport device is
A support platform for supporting a load, wherein the loaded support platform defines a front and back plane and a side plane and is characterized by a load distribution;
A plurality of ground contact elements, wherein the ground contact elements are coupled to the support platform so that the transport device is statically stable with respect to tilt in the front-back plane;
A motorized drive for driving at least one of the plurality of ground contact elements;
A sensor module for generating a signal indicative of the load distribution of the loaded support platform; and
And a controller for instructing the motorized drive unit based on the load distribution
A transportation device comprising:
(2) The transport device according to item 1, wherein the plurality of ground contact elements include at least two wheels.
(3) The at least two wheels are
A first wheel rotatable about a first axis; and
3. A transport device according to item 2, wherein the second wheel is rotatable around a second axis, the second axis being arranged at the rear of the first axis.
(4) The controller according to item 1, wherein the controller is configured such that the back-and-forth movement of the transport device is controlled by shifting the load distribution back and forth of the loaded support platform back and forth. Transportation equipment.
(5) the loaded support platform is characterized by a center of gravity having a position, and wherein the controller moves the back and forth of the transport device back and forth of the loaded support platform; The transport device of claim 1, wherein the transport device is configured to be controlled by shifting the center of gravity back and forth.
(6) The transport device according to item 1, wherein the controller controls the rotation of the transport device by laterally shifting the load distribution of the loaded support platform.
(7) The loaded support platform is characterized by a center of gravity having a position, and wherein the controller is configured such that rotation of the transport device causes the gravity of the loaded support platform to Item 4. The transport device of item 1, controlled by shifting the center to the side.
(8) The plurality of ground contact elements are coupled to the support platform, so that the transport device is statically stable with respect to tilt in both the front and back planes and the side planes. Transportation equipment.
(9) The transport device according to item 1, wherein the sensor module includes at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of a load sensor, a force sensor, and a tilt sensor.
(10) The transport device according to item 1, wherein the sensor module adds an offset in generating the signal.
(11) The transport device according to item 10, wherein the offset is adjustable via a user interface.
(12) The controller issues a command to the motorized drive device to cause acceleration of the transport device, the transport device further comprising an indicator for providing an instruction based on the acceleration, The transport device according to Item 1, which is understandable externally.
(13) The transport device according to item 1, wherein the indicator is visible from behind the transport device.
(14) The transport device according to item 1, wherein the transport device further includes a user interface, and the controller gives a command to the motorized drive device based on at least a signal provided by the user interface.
(15) The transport device according to item 14, wherein the user interface is selected from the group consisting of a joystick and a dial.
(16) A method for controlling a transport device, the transport device comprising:
A support platform for supporting a load, wherein the loaded support platform has a support platform that defines a front and back plane and a side plane and is characterized by a load distribution, the transport platform The device further
A plurality of ground contact elements, wherein the ground contact elements are coupled to the support platform so that the transport device is statically stable with respect to tilt in the front-rear plane; The transport device is
A motorized drive for driving at least one of the plurality of ground contact elements;
The method
Determining the load distribution of the loaded substrate;
Providing a command to the motorized drive device based on at least the load distribution;
Including the method.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein determining a load distribution of the loaded platform includes sensing a load on at least one ground contact element.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein determining the load distribution of gravity of the load platform includes sensing tilt of the loaded support platform.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein determining the load distribution of the loaded platform includes sensing a roll angle of the loaded support platform.
(20) The method according to item 16, wherein the step of giving a command to the motorized drive is further based on a control signal from a user interface of the transporting device.
21. A method according to item 16, further comprising providing an externally recognizable instruction based on the commanded movement.
(22) A method according to item 21, wherein the step of providing the externally recognizable indication is based on commanded acceleration.
(23) A method according to item 22, wherein the step of providing the externally recognizable indication includes illuminating light.
(24) A transport device, the transport device:
A support platform for supporting a load, the support platform defining a front and back plane and a side plane;
A plurality of ground contact elements, wherein the ground contact elements are coupled to the support platform so that the support platform is statically stable with respect to tilt in the front and back planes and side planes element;
A swiveling element, wherein the swiveling element is pivotally connected to at least one of the ground contact elements, such that the swiveling element has the ability to tilt;
A user interface for producing a tilt of the pivot element;
A sensor module for generating a signal indicative of the tilt of the pivot element;
A motorized drive for driving at least one of the plurality of ground contact elements; and
A transport device comprising a controller for commanding the motorized drive based on the tilt of the swivel element.
(25) The transporting device according to item 24, wherein the turning element has an ability to be inclined at least in the front-rear plane.
(26) The plurality of ground contact devices include two laterally arranged wheels that are rotatable about an axis, and the turning element is pivotally connected to the axis. Transportation equipment.
27. The transport device of claim 24, wherein the pivot element is flexibly coupled to the support platform.
28. The transport device of claim 27, wherein the pivot element is flexibly coupled to the support platform via at least one spring.
(29) A transporting device according to item 24, wherein the user interface is a handlebar connected to the turning element.
(30) A method for controlling a transport device having a support platform for supporting a load, the support platform defining a front and back plane and a side plane, the transport device comprising a plurality of ground surfaces Comprising a contact element, so that the transport device is statically stable with respect to tilt, the transport device further comprising at least one pivotally connected swivel element of the ground contact device, so that The swiveling element has the ability to tilt, and the conveying device comprises a motorized drive for driving at least one of the plurality of ground contact elements, the method comprising:
Producing a tilt of the pivot element; and
Providing a command to the motorized drive based at least on the tilt;
Including the method.
(31) The method according to item 30, wherein the step of causing the tilt includes tilting a handlebar connected to the pivot element.
32. The method of claim 30, further comprising the step of flexibly connecting the pivot element to the support platform.
The above features of the present invention will be more readily understood with reference to the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an example of a side view of a transport device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 (a) is an example of a side view of a transport device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 (b) is an example of a side view of the transport device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an example of a side view of a vehicle that dynamically balances. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a controller for controlling the motorized drive of the transport device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an example of a transport device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

(Detailed description of specific embodiments)
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 illustrates that a load (which can be a living subject) is ground or other surface (eg, floor) (these are also referred to herein as “ground”). 1 shows a carrying device 10 for carrying the The transport device 10 includes a support platform 11 for supporting a load. For example, the subject may be standing or sitting on the support platform 11. Connected to the support platform 11 can be a handlebar 12 that can be gripped while operating the transport device 10.

  Coupled to the support platform 11 are a plurality of ground contact elements 13, 14 that provide contact between the support platform 11 and the ground. Ground contact elements may include, but are not limited to, arcuate members, tracks, treads, and wheels (hereinafter, the term “wheel”, without limitation, any such ground surface). Used herein to refer to contact elements). The wheels 13, 14 serve to define a series of axes including a vertical axis ZZ, a side axis YY, and a longitudinal axis XX. This vertical axis exists in the direction of gravity through the contact point between the ground and the wheel. This lateral axis is in equilibrium with the wheel axis. This front-rear axis is perpendicular to the wheel axis. The directions parallel to the axes XX and YY are called the front-rear direction and the side direction, respectively.

  The conveying device 10 is statically stable at least in inclination in the front-rear plane. In order to achieve static stability in the anteroposterior plane, the transport device 10 may comprise at least a first wheel and a second wheel 13,14. The first wheel 13 is rotatable about the first axis and the second wheel is rotatable about the second axis, this second axis being at the rear of the first axis, so that The center of gravity of the transport device 10 passes between the first wheel and the second wheel.

  The movement of the transport device 10 is controlled by shifting the center of gravity of the loaded support platform. “The position of the center of gravity” is to be understood herein as an example of a moment of load distribution. Any mechanism for control of device movement based on load distribution is described herein and is within the scope of the invention as claimed in any of the appended claims. Shifting the position of the center of gravity can be accomplished, for example, by a subject that shifts its weight on the support platform 11. In order to determine the shift in the center of gravity, the transport device 10 comprises a sensor module. This sensor module generates a signal indicative of the position of the center of gravity of the support platform loaded with respect to the starting point of the transport device 10.

  The sensor module includes at least one sensor. The at least one sensor can be, without limitation, a load sensor, a force sensor and / or an angular velocity sensor (eg, a tilt sensor (eg, can be a gyroscope or an inclinometer)).

  For example, referring to FIG. 1, the transport device 10 includes two load sensors 15, 16. The load sensor 15 is connected between the support platform 11 and the first wheel 13. On the other hand, the load sensor 16 is connected between the support platform 11 and the second wheel 14. Using this sensed load on each of the wheels 13 and 14, the position of the center of gravity along the longitudinal axis of the transport device 10 is the origin (eg, but not limited to the front of the platform 11). ). In various embodiments, a single load sensor can be used. For example, if the importance of a loaded support platform is known, the center of gravity can be determined using only one load sensor. Changes in the output from the load sensor resulting from a shift in the center of gravity of the loaded support platform can also be used to control the movement of the transport device 10.

  FIG. 2 (a) shows another transport device 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The transport device 20 comprises a support platform 21 which, for example, is based on the center of gravity of the platform 21 and on the other hand allows a tilt in the front-rear plane that is still statically stable with respect to the tilt in the front-rear plane. For example, without limitation, spring pairs 26 and 25 may be coupled between wheels 23 and 24 and support platform 31, respectively. In another embodiment, the ground contact elements 23 and 24 may have some degree of compatibility and may provide a spring function. Based on the tilt of the support platform 21 in the anteroposterior plane, the at least one sensor 27 generates, for example, a signal of the position of the center of gravity of the loaded support platform. Sensor 27 includes, without limitation, a spring and associated sensor (eg, distance sensor); load sensor; tilt sensor (eg, inclinometer or gyroscope); load sensor; tilt sensor (support platform 507 tilt). Provided inclinometer or gyroscope); whisker; angular rate sensor; and / or non-contact sensor (eg, ultrasound or optical). Tilt can be measured without limitation, with respect to gravity, with respect to the ground, and / or with respect to the transport device (eg, a position proximal to the axis of rotation). Coupled to the support platform 21 may be a handle bar 22 that can be gripped while operating the transport device 20.

  In another embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2 (b) shows a transport device 200 comprising a first support platform 290 and a second support platform 210. The first support platform 290 is coupled with wheels 230 and 240 and is statically stable with respect to tilt in the front-rear plane. The second support platform 210 can be coupled to the first support platform 290 such that the second support platform 210 can be tilted in the anteroposterior plane, for example, based on the center of gravity of the second platform 210. . The second support platform 210 can be coupled to the first support platform using springs 250 and 260 and / or using a pivot mechanism 280 without limitation. Similar to the above embodiment, based on the tilting of the second support platform 210 in the anteroposterior plane, the at least one sensor 270 generates a signal indicative of the position of the center of gravity of the second support platform 210. To do. Sensor 270 includes, but is not limited to: springs and associated sensors (eg, distance sensors); load sensors; tilt sensors (eg, inclinometers or gyroscopes); load sensors; tilt sensors (tilts of support platform 210) A whisker; an angular velocity sensor; and / or a non-contact sensor (eg, ultrasonic or optical). Tilt can be measured without limitation with respect to gravity, with respect to the ground, with respect to the first support platform 290 and / or another reference of the transport device. Coupled to the first support platform 290 may be a handle bar 220 that can be gripped while operating the transport device 200.

  In other embodiments of the present invention, the transport device is statically stable with respect to tilt in both the front and back planes and the side planes. In order to provide such stability, the transport device may comprise three or more wheels. The center of gravity can then be determined in both the longitudinal axis and the lateral axis. For example, a force sensor or load sensor can be coupled between the support platform and each wheel, or a tilt sensor can be utilized in combination with a spring coupled between each wheel.

  In yet another embodiment, the delivery device is as described in US Pat. Nos. 5,701,965 and 5,971,091, which are incorporated herein by reference, As in the case of a human transport device, it is statically stable with respect to tilt only in the lateral plane. For example, FIG. 3 shows a personal transport device generally designated by the number 38. The personal transport device 38 includes a support platform 32. A handle bar 34 is coupled to the support platform 32. The subject 30 stands on the support platform 32 so that the transport device 38 of this embodiment can be operated in a manner similar to a scooter. As the subject 30 tilts, the support platform 32 tilts, and this is sensed by a tilt sensor (not shown) without limitation. A control loop is provided, so that tilting of the subject 30 in the front-rear direction results in the application of the torque of the wheels 33 around the axle 35, thereby causing acceleration of the vehicle. However, the vehicle 38 is statically unstable and requires manipulation of the control loop to maintain dynamic stability.

  In the above embodiment, the controller receives a signal indicative of the position of the center of gravity and / or the tilt from the sensor module. Based on at least the center of gravity position and / or tilt, the controller commands the motorized drive to drive at least one of the plurality of wheels. The controller may also respond to commands from, for example, a handlebar from other operator interfaces (eg, a coupled joystick or dial).

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, the block diagram of FIG. 4 shows a controller 40 for controlling the motorized drive of the transporter. The controller 40 receives input from the sensor module 44 that is characteristic of the center of gravity and / or tilt of the loaded support platform. Based on at least the input from the sensor module 44, the controller 40 commands the at least one motorized drive 45 and 46. The controller 40 also has an interface comprising a user interface 41 and a wheel rotation sensor 43. For example, the user interface 41 may include a control for turning on and off the switch of the controller 40. When the controller 40 is switched off, the wheels of the transport device are free to move so that the transport device operates as a typical push scooter. The user interface 41 may also control a locking mechanism 42 for locking one or more wheels of the transport device.

  The controller 40 comprises a control algorithm for determining the amount of torque applied to one or both wheels based on the position and / or tilt of the center of gravity of the loaded support platform. This control algorithm can be configured either in the design of the system or in real time based on the current operating mode and operating conditions and user preferences. The controller 40 may execute a control algorithm using a control loop. The operation of control loops is well known in the field of electromechanical engineering and is outlined, for example, in Fraser & Milne, Electro-Mechanical Engineering, IEEE Press (1994), especially Chapter 11 “Principles of Continuous Control”. Which is incorporated herein by reference.

By way of example and this is not meant to be limiting, the control algorithm may take the following forms:
Torque command = K · (C + O)
Where K = gain
C = vector defining the center of gravity of the support platform loaded against the origin in the transporter
O = offset.

  The center of gravity C of the loaded support platform is defined as the desired position of the center of gravity of the loaded platform minus the position of the center of the sensed gravity loaded (minus). It can be in the form of The desired location of the center of gravity of the loaded platform can be a predetermined constant in the control algorithm. Alternatively, the subject in the transport device may control the setting of the desired position of the center of gravity of the platform via the user interface 41. For example, when stepping to the platform and prior to allowing movement of the transport device, the subject triggers the determination of the desired position of the center of gravity based on input received from the sensor module 44. The switch on the handlebar can be activated. This allows the subject to obtain a known initial position. From this, the subject can then be deflected to produce a change in the position of the center of gravity of the loaded platform.

  The gain K can be a predetermined constant or can be input / adjusted by the operator via the user interface 41. The gain K is most commonly a vector with a torque that is determined as a scalar product of the gain and the gravity center dislocation vector. The responsiveness of the transport device to changes in the center of gravity of the loaded support platform can be governed by K. For example, increasing the magnitude of at least one element of the vector K causes the rider to sense a dull response, where a small change in the position of the center of gravity of the loaded platform results in a large torque command. .

  The offset O is incorporated into the control algorithm and can dominate the torque applied to the motorized drive, either in addition to or directly from the direct effect of C. Thus, for example, the user can provide input by means of any kind of user interface 41, which input is equivalent to, for example, a change in the position of the center of gravity of the loaded platform and control. Processed by the system.

  Thus, in the embodiment of the present invention described above, the movement of the transport device is achieved by changing the center of gravity of the loaded platform, for example by changing the operator's tilt or alternatively its position on the platform. It can be controlled by varying it. Depending on the control algorithm, an initial change in the center of gravity in the forward direction can result in a positive torque applied to at least one of the wheels, which causes the wheel to move forward. Similarly, an initial change in the center of gravity in the backward direction can result in a negative torque applied to at least one of the wheels, causing the wheel to move backwards. The subject then continues to tilt (or maintains its altered position on the platform) so that if the center of gravity of the platform on which it is negative remains the same, the motor will torque at approximately the same speed. Continue to give.

  As mentioned above, in addition to being statically stable in the anteroposterior plane, the transport device can also be statically stable against tilt in the lateral plane. Here, a signal that is representative of the position of the center of gravity is determined in one or both of the front-rear direction and the lateral direction. In such an embodiment, the lateral shift at the center of gravity of the loaded platform can be used either separately from or in combination with the shift at the center of gravity in the front-rear plane. Can be controlled. For example, and not meant to be limiting, a back-and-forth shift in the gravity communication of a loaded support platform can control the back-and-forth movement, while a side shift in the center of gravity Control the steering of the device.

  Steering can be accomplished in embodiments having at least two laterally disposed wheels (ie, left and right wheels), for example, by providing separate motors for the left and right wheels. The torque desired for the left motor and the torque desired from the right motor can be calculated separately. Furthermore, by tracking both left and right wheel movements, adjustments as known to those skilled in the control art are made to prevent undesired rotation of the vehicle and between the two motors. It becomes possible to explain the cause of the performance deviation.

  In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 shows a transport device 501 comprising a support platform 502 having the ability to support a load. Support platform 501 is coupled to a plurality of wheels 503 and 504 and is statically stable with respect to tilt in both the front and back planes and the side plane. A pivot element 507 is pivotally connected to at least one of the wheels 503 and 504 so that the pivot element 507 has the ability to tilt. For example, the plurality of ground contact elements may comprise two laterally disposed wheels, a right wheel 504 that can rotate about an axis 545 and a left wheel (not shown). Here, the turning element 507 is pivotally connected to the shaft 545 so that the turning element 507 can be inclined in the front-rear plane.

  Inclining the pivot element 507 can be accomplished via an operator interface (which can be, without limitation, the handlebar 512). The handle bar 512 is coupled to the pivot element 507 so that the tilt of the handle bar 512 in the front-rear direction results in a corresponding tilt of the pivot element 507.

  At least one sensor 555 generates a signal that is indicative of the tilt of the pivot element 507. Sensor 555 includes, but is not limited to: springs and associated sensors (eg, distance sensors); load sensors; tilt sensors (eg, inclinometers or gyroscopes); load sensors; tilt sensors (of support platform 507) Inclinometers or gyroscopes that provide tilt); whiskers; angular velocity sensors; and / or non-contact sensors (eg, ultrasound or optics). Tilt can be measured without limitation to gravity, relative to the ground, and / or relative to a reference in the transport device, such as a position that approximates the axis of rotation. The controller controls the motorized drive to drive at least one wheel 504 based at least on the tilt.

  In various embodiments, the pivot element 507 is flexibly coupled to the support platform 502 by, for example, a plurality of springs 508-509. This allows the pivot element platform 507 to maintain a predetermined tilt when the handlebar 512 is not being manipulated. In various embodiments, the controller can be preset to command a specific movement based on a predetermined tilt. For example, when a predetermined tilt is sensed, the controller can command the motorized drive not to move. The responsiveness of the transport device can also be controlled via springs 508-509.

  As in the above embodiment, steering of the transport device 501 can be controlled by a number of user interfaces known in the art (eg, without limitation, a joystick or thumbwheel located at or very close to the handlebar). . As described above, the motorized drive device has separate motors for separately driving the left wheel (not shown) and the right wheel 504 arranged on the sides based on the signal received from the user interface. obtain. The laterally disposed left wheel (not shown) and right wheel 503 can be, for example, caster wheels that have the ability to rotate about a vertical axis that supports the rotation of the transport device 501.

  In the above embodiment of the present invention, the transport device may comprise an indicator (reference number 540 in FIG. 5). Indicator 540 is externally recognizable based on movement commanded through the motorized drive. For example, indicator 540 may be based on the commanded acceleration. The externally recognizable instruction 540 can include, but is not limited to, light that can be illuminated.

  The described embodiments of the present invention are intended to be exemplary only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such changes and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (1)

Invention described in the specification.